Shaun White bows out of X Games in Aspen

Shaun White competes in the 2011 Snowboarding Superpipe during the Winter X Games in Aspen. White is one of many recognizable names who'll be competing when the event takes place at Buttermilk Ski Resort for the 14th time starting today.

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Shaun White won’t be competing in the Winter X Games at Buttermilk ski area in Aspen after all, announced ESPN, the event’s sponsor, n Wednesday.

White’s decision came after he said Tuesday he would compete in the X Games, after previously saying he probably would not.

On Wednesday, following a practice session at Buttermilk, he issued the following statement: “I’ve been competing in the X Games since I was 13 years old; they are a huge part of why I am where I am and they are vital to the sport. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the mountain and looked over the schedule, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to complete the kind of training I know I need in order to prepare for Sochi.

“It’s an incredibly tough decision for me and it’s not something I take lightly, especially as ESPN has always been a great supporter, but I have to make sure I’m prepared for the Olympics.”

The eight-time superpipe and five-time slopestyle gold medalist has never missed an X Games event in Aspen.

X Games start Wednesday night with one event — men’s ski superpipe elimination — and run through Sunday.